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I believe the female co-host in this episode is Julia Meade, who had a long successful career doing TV commercials. Examples of her commercials appear elsewhere on IA (such as in episodes of "Your Hit Parade" and "Les Paul & Mary Ford at Home"). She also acted on stage, and appeared as guest panelist on some popular game shows.

This is probably typical of what TV would have looked like in 1950. Most of the shows that survive were the best or were prototypes for later programs. James is manic, but that rhyme bit required him to think fast on his feet. It reminded me of a children's show in the 1960's called "Wonderama".

The hostess: I think the her name was Julia Meehan -- I think that is what he is saying. I could find no information on her if that was her name. Does anybody know?

The "honor mother" at the end of this program is soprano Judith Doniger. According to the "New York Times" she guested on "Okay Mother" on July 18, 1950. The upcoming recital she mentioned took place on Oct. 12, 1950. Queer, but it was fun watching.

The prizes were real inexpensive. A make-up compact, cigarette lighters and lighter fluid, a Polaroid TV filter, hosiery, a watch, and a combination of sweaters and sheets. No one won the Polaroid camera, which I would guess was the most expensive one. And I didn't hear anyone getting a prize from one of the sponsors.

Reviewer:cathyftr
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July 14, 2010 Subject:
What was DuMont is now FOX

Hard to believe this would have led to The Simpsons !!!

When DuMont had went "out of Business" in 1956 this would lead to Metromedia ( Merv Griffin, Wonderama with Bob McAllister, Bobby Sherman and Maury Povich in the 1960s.)

In 1985 Metromedia would be sold to a few broadcast invsestors as of which would led to FOX in 1986 with their first show starring Joan Rivers.

It's believed that almost the entire DuMont Network archive was destroyed after they imploded. So, to see a DuMont Network broadcast is very rare.

UPDATE: Damn, Maybe I should of given a little warning about this program. It is indeed very strange, but that is exactly why you must view it. Plus, this is exactly what "Oprah" will look like in 50 years. Enjoy this vision of the future.

I've seen a lot of television from the "Golden Age." This one has got to be one of the most low-bugeted, slapdash, and truly bizarre programs I've seen so far. Even for Dumont. That said, it's very enjoyable because it's so strange. I remember Dennis James near the end of his career. He's absolutely manic in this show, like he pumped up with 10 cups of coffee before the on-air light went on. My mom, as a young woman, worked at the Wannamakers store in NYC in the late 40s/early 50s where this stuff was broadcast. She's talked about taking her lunch breaks and seeing some of this live. I'll have to ask her about this truly screwy program.

This is one of the strangest things I've ever seen. I didn't know Dennis James was such a star! I really liked it when he stopped in the middle of his "rhyme" game, to yell at the woman who asked him to rhyme a word with "Edna." Only on live TV, folks! It's too bad there aren't more episodes of this classic! Thanks for uploading this gem!